Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Stratiomyidae mating -Beris vallata?
Posted by nick upton on 06-05-2010 10:44
#1
Can anyone say for sure what species these soldierflies are, photographed mating and after separating? The spiky thorax and wing patterning/ body colour etc seem similar to Beris vallata images I have seen, but there may be some more definitive characters I'm missing...
Wiltshire, southwest UK 5.5.10
Posted by nick upton on 06-05-2010 10:44
#2
The female, after separating..
Posted by tim worfolk on 06-05-2010 13:07
#3
Hi Nick, not
vallata, that has an orange abdomen, which would show through the wings. This is either
morrisii or
chalybata with all yellow femur and tibia; wide frons on the female suggests
chalybata.
Tim
Posted by tim worfolk on 06-05-2010 13:08
#4
I should add that the black hairs on the male's thorax also indicate
chalybata.
Tim
Posted by nick upton on 06-05-2010 13:17
#5
OK, many thanks Tim for the pointers to the key details. Yes, B. chalybata looks just right. At least I got quite close!